Porcelain tile is one of the most popular finishing materials for floors and walls. It is durable, long-lasting and looks great in any interior. However, not all porcelain tiles are equally good: defective pieces, incorrect geometry and inconsistent shading are common issues in the market. To avoid disappointment after purchase, it is important to know how to check porcelain tile quality right in the store — before the material ends up at your home.
Correct geometry is the foundation of a neat installation. Take several tiles from different spots in the packaging and place them face to face. Gaps between surfaces, visible warping or a bulge in the centre are signs of geometry issues. Such material is difficult to lay with even joints, and the result will be far from perfect. Also check the straightness of the edges. Place tiles side by side: there should be no waves or gaps between them. The acceptable deviation along the side length of quality porcelain tile is no more than 0.5 mm.
Calibre is the actual size of the tile, which may differ slightly from the nominal size. Manufacturers mark it on the packaging (for example, 597×597 mm with a nominal size of 600×600 mm). Within one batch, all tiles must be the same calibre — otherwise the joints will be uneven. Thickness is checked with a calliper or simply by touch, comparing several tiles with each other. Inconsistent thickness within a single batch is a serious defect that will complicate installation and require additional adjustment of the adhesive layer.
Even within the same series, tiles may differ slightly in colour — this is called shade variation. Manufacturers indicate the shade on the packaging with a letter or number. When buying, make sure all boxes have the same shade marking. To check porcelain tile quality by colour visually: lay several tiles side by side under good lighting. Noticeable differences in saturation or hue are a reason to reject this batch or ask the manager to select boxes with the same shade.
Inspect the face side of each tile under raking light — this makes it easier to spot scratches, pinholes, bubbles in the glaze or uneven coating. Defects are harder to notice on matte surfaces, so pay extra attention to them. Main defects to watch out for:
A small percentage of defective tiles (1–3%) is acceptable even from leading manufacturers, so always buy 10–15% more than your calculated amount.
One of the simplest ways to understand that porcelain tile is good quality is to tap it with your knuckles. Quality material produces a clear, ringing sound. A dull or rattling sound indicates internal cracks or voids in the structure. Water absorption is a key characteristic for rooms with high humidity. For porcelain tile, this figure does not exceed 0.5%, and for the best specimens — less than 0.1%. It is easy to check in the store: drop some water on the back of the tile. If the drop is quickly absorbed and leaves a dark stain — the water absorption is high, and such material is not suitable for a bathroom or outdoor use.
Quality porcelain tile packaging always includes technical information. Learn to read it:
Missing markings or vague data are a warning sign. A reliable manufacturer always provides complete technical documentation.
Do not limit yourself to inspecting one tile — check several pieces from different boxes. Open 2–3 packages and compare the tiles by colour, size and surface quality. Make sure that all boxes match in: series name, shade, calibre and batch number. If the batch comes from several deliveries — this is a risk: the shade between them may differ even with the same markings. Buy the entire required volume at once whenever possible.
What to look for when buying porcelain tile largely depends on where it will be used. For a bathroom, low water absorption and a non-slip surface are critical. For a living room or bedroom, aesthetics and a wear resistance class of at least PEI III matter more. For a terrace or entrance area, frost resistance is mandatory. For more details on how the material performs in different conditions, read the article Wall vs Floor Porcelain Tiles: Key Differences — it covers the main distinctions in load capacity, thickness and surface class. It is equally important to plan the base preparation in advance: even perfect material will not lay well if the base does not meet the requirements. This is covered in detail in the article Porcelain Tile Installation Base.
Itum.ua offers a wide range of porcelain tiles from trusted manufacturers — with full technical documentation and expert selection advice. We will be happy to help you find the right material for any project and budget.